NFC South power rankings after Derek Carr signs with Saints

It is a critical year for Arthur Smith and the Atlanta Falcons franchise as a whole

So here we are… Optimism and my Atlanta Falcons. Good times are to be had, I’m sure. It could also be more heartache and pain, but maybe I kind of dig that, too? With more cap space than anyone not named the Chicago Bears, the Dirty Birds are arguably the best candidate to go from worst-to-first in-division in the NFL. Last year’s 7-10 lands better than the same mark in 2021.

Head coach Arthur Smith is polarizing, but I’m all about his gruffness at the podium. The Atlanta media could certainly learn a thing or two from him. More importantly, this team has a strong identity in year two of the Smith/Terry Fontenot partnership. They will run the ball down your throat, throw off play-action and play opportunistic defense. Yes, this team is trending up, y’all!

What this really comes down to is if the Dirty Birds are planning to build around Desmond Ridder or not. I’m in favor of that because he is a capable third-round pick on a rookie contract. Surround him the best players possible and let’s go! Should the Falcons be the ones to trade for Lamar Jackson, then the Dirty Birds would shoot to the very top of these NFC South power rankings.

Either way, Atlanta seem to have a solid plan and some level of cohesion it has not had in years.